Tim Shaw has three degrees in Glassblowing. After attaining his BA (Hons) from North Staffordshire Polytechnic in the UK in the early 80s, he went on to study at the avant-garde Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam where he continued to develop and experiment creating a unique style of art glass. Upon his return to the UK he established a hot glass workshop in London where he continued his artistic practice. His creative talent was recognized by his peers, and he was invited to undertake his second MA at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London. Here he further refined and honed his glassmaking skills whilst pushing the boundaries of his artistic expression. My work takes traditional blown forms that I slash and cut with my diamond saw to carve and sculpt the surface. The holes in the sculptures serve to challenge the viewers’ concept of the vessel as well as allowing the object to be viewed simultaneously from within and without. This process is dangerous and exhilarating at the same time. Whilst I start with a vague plan of attack, the piece often dictates the carving process, and all too often the vessel ceases to exist because I overstep the line, and end up with a pile of broken glass! This radical approach to carving glass, results in works that are steeped in raw energy, yet possess a refined elegance. This balance between form and fragility, coupled with the pieces’ transparency, colour and surface texture allow me to create objects that are uniquely beautiful.
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